Fire and Rescue NSW crews extinguish detention centre fire - Villawood
Published: 06 Jul 2023 01:39pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have extinguished a fire at a detention centre at Villawood, in Sydney's west today.
More than 40 firefighters were called in to attack the '4th alarm' blaze which broke out in the two-level facility on Birmingham Avenue around 11:20am.
Among the FRNSW resources deployed to the scene were three aerial pumpers, along with specialist HAZMAT and rescue crews.
During the early stages of the fire, three detainees on the top floor smashed windows and jumped onto mattresses below in an effort to escape the smoke.
They were assessed at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, as were 12 staff who sustained smoke inhalation as a result of the incident.
FRNSW firefighters managed to quickly contain and extinguish the fire.
They are now pulling apart the ceiling within the compound to ensure it has not spread into the roof void.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Additional photos from the scene are available via the FRNSW website.
Updated: 06 Jul 2023 01:43pm
Related safety topics
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
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